Multi cyclone array for surface cleaning apparatus and a surface cleaning apparatus having same

ABSTRACT

A surface cleaning apparatus has an upstream air treatment member and a downstream cyclonic cleaning stage that includes a plurality of cyclones in parallel. Each cyclone has a cyclone axis of rotation, a first end, an axially spaced apart second end, a sidewall extending between the first and second ends, an air inlet, an air outlet, and a sideways dirt outlet. The surface cleaning apparatus also includes a dirt collection chamber and a dirt collection plenum.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 36 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/734,603, filed on Sep. 21, 2018,entitled MULTI CYCLONE ARRAY FOR SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS AND ASURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS HAVING SAME, the content of which isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to cyclone assemblies for surfacecleaning apparatus, and more specifically to cyclone assemblies thathave a cyclonic cleaning stage that includes a plurality of cyclonesarranged in parallel.

INTRODUCTION

Various types of surface cleaning apparatus are known, including uprightsurface cleaning apparatus, canister surface cleaning apparatus, sticksurface cleaning apparatus, hand carriable surface cleaning apparatus,and central vacuum systems.

Surface cleaning apparatus that use one or more cyclonic cleaning stagesto remove particulate matter (e.g. dust and dirt) from an airstream areknown.

A second cyclonic cleaning stage, which may comprise a plurality ofcyclones in parallel, may be provided downstream of a first airtreatment member (e.g. a first cyclonic cleaning stage) and upstream ofthe suction motor. The second cyclonic cleaning stage is typicallyprovided to remove particulate matter from the airstream exiting thefirst air treatment member and was not removed from the airstream by thefirst air treatment member.

SUMMARY

The following introduction is provided to introduce the reader to themore detailed discussion to follow. The introduction is not intended tolimit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or moreinventions may reside in any combination or sub-combination of theelements or process steps disclosed in any part of this documentincluding its claims and figures.

In accordance with one aspect of this disclosure, a cyclonic cleaningstage (which may be referred to as a downstream cyclonic cleaning stageor as a second cyclonic cleaning stage if an upstream air treatmentmember such an upstream cyclonic cleaning stage is provided) may be usedas an air treatment member downstream of a primary air treatment memberto remove particulate matter (e.g. dirt, dust) from an airflow exitingthe first air treatment member. The cyclonic cleaning stage includes aplurality of second stage cyclone chambers arranged in parallel. Eachsecond stage cyclone chamber has a dirt outlet configured such that atleast a portion of, and preferably most or substantially all of the dirtexiting a second stage cyclone travels in a radial direction (i.e.approximately perpendicular to the cyclone axis of the second stagecyclone chamber). Such a dirt outlet may be characterized as a‘sideways’ dirt outlet. A dirt collection plenum may be provided betweenthe dirt outlets of two or more second stage cyclone chambers and asecond stage dirt collection region.

Providing sideways dirt outlets for the second stage cyclone chambersmay facilitate a more compact design of the cyclonic cleaning stage. Forexample, the cyclonic cleaning stage may have an overall length that isabout the same as the length of the second stage cyclone chambers.

In accordance with this broad aspect, there is provided a surfacecleaning apparatus comprising:

-   -   (a) an upstream air treatment member;    -   (b) a downstream cyclonic cleaning stage comprising a plurality        of cyclones in parallel, each cyclone having a cyclone axis of        rotation, a first end, an axially spaced apart second end, a        sidewall extending between the first and second ends, an air        inlet, an air outlet and a sideways dirt outlet;    -   (c) a dirt collection chamber; and    -   (d) a dirt collection plenum positioned between at least some of        the dirt outlets and the dirt collection chamber.

In some embodiments, the cyclone air inlets may have a radial outwardextent and the dirt collection plenum may have a radial outer extentthat is spaced radially outwardly of the radial outward extent of thecyclone air inlets.

In some embodiments, a plane that is transverse to the cyclone axis ofrotation may extend through the cyclone and the dirt collection plenum.

In some embodiments, the plane may extend through the sideways dirtoutlets.

In some embodiments, the cyclone air inlets may comprise a passagehaving an inlet end and an outlet end, and the dirt collection plenummay have a radial outer extent that is spaced radially outwardly of theinlet end of the cyclone air inlets.

In some embodiments, a plane that is transverse to the cyclone axis ofrotation may extend through the cyclone and the dirt collection plenum.

In some embodiments, the plane may extend through the sideways dirtoutlets.

In some embodiments, the sideways dirt outlet may comprise an opening inthe sidewall.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the sidewall may be spacedfrom the second end wall, whereby the sideways dirt outlet comprises aspace between the sidewall and the second end wall.

In some embodiments, the sideways dirt outlet may direct dirt outwardlyin a plane generally transverse to the cyclone axis of rotation into thedirt collection plenum.

In some embodiments, the plurality of cyclones may comprise a firstcyclone and a second cyclone and a portion of the dirt collection plenummay be positioned between the first and second cyclones and the sidewaysdirt outlet of the first cyclone may direct dirt towards the portion.

In some embodiments, each cyclone may have a radially inner side, aradially outer side and lateral sides provided between the radiallyinner and radially outer sides and the sideways dirt outlet may beprovided in one of the lateral sides.

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, at least a portionof, and preferably most or substantially all of a second stage dirtcollection plenum may be positioned radially outwardly of the secondstage cyclone chambers. Providing a dirt collection plenum radiallyoutwardly of the second stage cyclone chambers may facilitate a morecompact design of the second cyclonic cleaning stage. For example, sucha design may allow an air inlet for the second cyclonic cleaning stageto be provided radially inward of the second stage cyclone chambers.

In accordance with this broad aspect, there is provided a surfacecleaning apparatus comprising:

-   -   (a) an upstream air treatment member;    -   (b) a downstream cyclonic cleaning stage comprising a plurality        of cyclones in parallel, each cyclone having a cyclone axis of        rotation, a first end, an axially spaced apart second end, a        sidewall extending between the first and second ends, an air        inlet, an air outlet and a dirt outlet;    -   (c) a dirt collection chamber; and,    -   (d) a dirt collection plenum positioned between at least some of        the dirt outlets and the dirt collection chamber,        wherein the cyclone air inlets have a radial outward extent and        the dirt collection plenum has a radial outer extent that is        spaced radially outwardly of the radial outward extent of the        cyclone air inlets.

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, a cycloniccleaning stage may be configured such that a plane perpendicular to acyclone axis of a cyclone chamber that extends through a dirt outlet ofthat cyclone chamber also extends through a dirt collection plenum. Sucha design may have one or more advantages. For example, providing aportion of a dirt collection plenum on the same plane as the cyclonechamber dirt outlets may result in a more compact design of a cycloniccleaning stage.

In accordance with this broad aspect, there is provided a surfacecleaning apparatus comprising:

-   -   (a) an upstream air treatment member;    -   (b) a downstream cyclonic cleaning stage comprising a plurality        of cyclones in parallel, each cyclone having a cyclone axis of        rotation, a first end, an axially spaced apart second end, a        sidewall extending between the first and second ends, an air        inlet, an air outlet and a dirt outlet;    -   (c) a dirt collection chamber; and,    -   (d) a dirt collection plenum positioned between at least some of        the dirt outlets and the dirt collection chamber,        wherein a plane that is transverse to the cyclone axis of        rotation extends through the sideways dirt outlets and the dirt        collection plenum.

In accordance with either of these aspects, there is provided a surfacecleaning apparatus comprising:

-   -   (a) an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean        air outlet with a suction motor provided in the air flow path;    -   (b) a cyclonic cleaning stage provided in the air flow path, the        cyclonic cleaning stage comprising a plurality of cyclones in        parallel, each cyclone having a cyclone axis of rotation, a        first end, an axially spaced apart second end, a sidewall        extending between the first and second ends, an air inlet, an        air outlet and a sideways dirt outlet;    -   (c) a dirt collection chamber; and,    -   (d) a dirt collection plenum located between first and second        axially spaced apart walls and positioned radially from the dirt        outlets, wherein the second wall has a first opening        communicating with the dirt collection chamber.

In some embodiments, the air inlets and the air outlets may be providedat the first end of the cyclones and the dirt outlet may be provided atthe second end of the cyclones.

In some embodiments, the sideways dirt outlets may comprise openings inthe sidewalls.

In some embodiments, the sideways dirt outlets may direct dirt outwardlyin a plane generally transverse to the cyclone axis of rotation into thedirt collection plenum.

In some embodiments, the plurality of cyclones may comprise a firstcyclone and a second cyclone and a portion of the dirt collection plenummay be positioned between the first and second cyclones and the sidewaysdirt outlet of the first cyclone directs dirt towards the portion.

In some embodiments, each cyclone may have a radially inner side, aradially outer side and lateral sides provided between the radiallyinner and radially outer sides and the sideways dirt outlet may beprovided in one of the lateral sides.

In some embodiments, a portion of the air flow path may extend along thelength of the cyclones from second end to the first end wherein theportion of the air flow path extends through the first and secondaxially spaced apart walls of the dirt collection plenum.

In some embodiments, the dirt collection plenum may be located radiallyoutwardly from the dirt outlets.

In some embodiments, a portion of the air flow path may extend throughthe first and second axially spaced apart walls of the dirt collectionplenum and may extend through a radial inner central portion of thecyclonic cleaning stage.

In some embodiments, the dirt collection plenum may be located radiallyinwardly from the dirt outlets.

In some embodiments, a portion of the air flow path may extend along anaxially extending passage surrounding at least a portion of the cycloniccleaning stage.

In some embodiments, a portion of the air flow path may extend along anaxially extending passage surrounding the cyclonic cleaning stage.

In some embodiments, a plane that is transverse to the cyclone axes ofrotation may extend through the cyclones and the dirt collection plenum.

In some embodiments, the plane may extend through the sideways dirtoutlets.

In some embodiments, the air inlets may produce a direction of rotationin the cyclones and, for at least some of the cyclones of the pluralityof cyclones, the dirt outlet may be located, based on the direction ofrotation, to direct dirt towards the first opening.

In some embodiments, some of the cyclones of the plurality of cycloneshave a clockwise direction of rotation and a remainder of the cyclonesof the plurality of cyclones have a counterclockwise direction ofrotation.

In some embodiments, for at least some of the cyclones, the air inletmay be configured to produce a direction of rotation such that dirtexiting the sideways dirt outlet travels in a direction towards thefirst opening.

In some embodiments, when the surface cleaning apparatus is used toclean a floor, the first opening may be located at a lower end of thedirt collection plenum.

In some embodiments, the second wall may have a second opening and, forsome of the cyclones of the plurality of cyclones, the dirt outlet maybe located based on a direction of rotation of the cyclone to directdirt towards the first opening and, for a remainder of the cyclones ofthe plurality of cyclones, the dirt outlet may be located based on adirection of rotation of the cyclone to direct dirt towards the secondopening.

In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus may further comprisean upstream air treatment member and the dirt collection chamber mayextend axially along at least a portion of the upstream air treatmentmember.

In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus may be a hand vacuumcleaner having a front end and a rear end and the dirt collectionchamber may have a front openable door.

In some embodiments, the front openable door may be openableconcurrently with a dirt collection region of the upstream air treatmentmember.

In some embodiments, the air inlets may be provided at the first end ofthe cyclones, the dirt outlet may be provided at the second end of thecyclones and the first wall may be located between the first and secondends of the cyclones.

In some embodiments, the first wall may have a dirt collection plenumface facing the dirt collection plenum and an opposed face that is partof an air inlet plenum for the plurality of cyclones.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that an apparatusor method disclosed herein may embody any one or more of the featurescontained herein and that the features may be used in any particularcombination or sub-combination.

These and other aspects and features of various embodiments will bedescribed in greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the described embodiments and to show moreclearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made,by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective cross-section view of a surface cleaningapparatus comprising a first cyclonic cleaning stage and a secondcyclonic cleaning stage in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the upstream end of the second cycloniccleaning stage of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the second cyclonic cleaning stage of FIG.3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the downstream end of the secondcyclonic cleaning stage of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the second cyclonic cleaning stage of FIG.5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective section view of the second cyclonic cleaningstage of FIG. 3, taken along line 7-7 shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a perspective section view of the second cyclonic cleaningstage of FIG. 3, taken along line 8-8 shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is another perspective section view of the second cycloniccleaning stage of FIG. 3, taken along line 7-7 shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a perspective section view of the second cyclonic cleaningstage of FIG. 3, taken along line 10-10 shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a perspective end view of the second stage cyclones of thesecond cyclonic cleaning stage of FIG. 3;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the upstream end of a second cycloniccleaning stage in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the upstream end of the secondcyclonic cleaning stage of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the second cyclonic cleaning stage ofFIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the downstream end of the secondcyclonic cleaning stage of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the second cyclonic cleaning stage ofFIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective section view of the second cyclonic cleaningstage of FIG. 12, taken along line 17-17 shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 18 is another perspective section view of the second cycloniccleaning stage of FIG. 12, taken along line 17-17 shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 19 is a perspective section view of the second cyclonic cleaningstage of FIG. 12, taken along line 19-19 shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 20 is a perspective end view of the inlet plenum of the secondstage cyclones of the second cyclonic cleaning stage of FIG. 12;

FIG. 21 is a perspective end view of the first ends of the second stagecyclones of the second cyclonic cleaning stage of FIG. 12;

FIG. 22 is a perspective end view of the first ends of the second stagecyclones of a second cyclonic cleaning stage in accordance with anotherembodiment;

FIG. 23 is a perspective end view of the inlet plenum of the secondstage cyclones of a second cyclonic cleaning stage in accordance withanother embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus comprisinga first cyclonic cleaning stage and a second cyclonic cleaning stage inaccordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a section view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 24,taken along line 25-25 shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a section view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 24,taken along line 26-26 shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a perspective cross-section view of a surface cleaningapparatus comprising a first cyclonic cleaning stage and a secondcyclonic cleaning stage in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view from the front end of the surface cleaningapparatus of the second cyclonic cleaning stage of the surface cleaningapparatus of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is an exploded view from the front end of the surface cleaningapparatus of the second cyclonic cleaning stage of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is exploded view from the air inlet and outlet end of the secondcyclonic cleaning stage of FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a perspective end from the air inlet and outlet end view ofthe first ends of the second stage cyclones of the second cycloniccleaning stage of FIG. 27;

FIG. 32 is a perspective end from the front end of the surface cleaningapparatus view of the inlet ends of the second stage cyclones of thesecond cyclonic cleaning stage of FIG. 27;

FIG. 33 is a perspective cross-section view of a surface cleaningapparatus comprising a first cyclonic cleaning stage and a secondcyclonic cleaning stage in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a cross-section view of the surface cleaning apparatus ofFIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view from the front end of the surface cleaningapparatus of the second cyclonic cleaning stage of the surface cleaningapparatus of FIG. 33;

FIG. 36 is an exploded view from the front end of the surface cleaningapparatus of the second cyclonic cleaning stage of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the downstream end of the secondcyclonic cleaning stage of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 33;

FIG. 38 is an exploded view from the downstream end of the secondcyclonic cleaning stage of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a perspective section view of the second cyclonic cleaningstage of FIG. 33, taken along line 39-39 shown in FIG. 35;

FIG. 40 is a perspective section view of the second cyclonic cleaningstage of FIG. 33, taken along line 40-40 shown in FIG. 35;

FIG. 41 is a perspective end view from the front end of the surfacecleaning apparatus of the first ends of the second stage cyclones of thesecond cyclonic cleaning stage of FIG. 35; and

FIG. 42 is another perspective end view from the front end of thesurface cleaning apparatus of the first ends of the second stagecyclones of the second cyclonic cleaning stage of FIG. 35.

The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples ofarticles, methods, and apparatuses of the teaching of the presentspecification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taughtin any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Various apparatuses, methods and compositions are described below toprovide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. Noembodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimedinvention may cover apparatuses and methods that differ from thosedescribed below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses,methods and compositions having all of the features of any oneapparatus, method or composition described below or to features commonto multiple or all of the apparatuses, methods or compositions describedbelow. It is possible that an apparatus, method or composition describedbelow is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any inventiondisclosed in an apparatus, method or composition described below that isnot claimed in this document may be the subject matter of anotherprotective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, andthe applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon,disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosurein this document.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity ofillustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may berepeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogouselements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in orderto provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments describedherein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in theart that the example embodiments described herein may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as notto obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, thedescription is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the exampleembodiments described herein.

General Description of a Surface Cleaning Apparatus

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a surface cleaning apparatus is showngenerally as 10. The surface cleaning apparatus 10 includes an inletconduit 16 downstream of a dirty air inlet (not shown), a clean airoutlet 18 and an air flow path or passage extending therebetween. Anupstream air treatment member 100, a downstream cyclonic cleaning stage200 and at least one suction motor 25 are provided in the air flow path.Preferably, the cyclone assembly is provided upstream from a suctionunit 20 that contains the suction motor(s) 25, but alternatively may beprovided downstream from the suction motor(s).

In addition to the cyclone assembly, the surface cleaning apparatus mayalso include one or more pre-motor filters (preferably positioned in theair flow path between the downstream cyclonic cleaning stage and thesuction motor) and/or one or more post-motor filters (positioned in theair flow path between the suction motor and the clean air outlet).

Preferably, the surface cleaning apparatus includes one or more handles(not shown) for a user to support and/or direct the surface cleaningapparatus above a surface to be cleaned. For example, the surfacecleaning apparatus may be an upright vacuum cleaner that has a surfacecleaning head and an upper portion that is movably and drivinglyconnected to the surface cleaning head, wherein the surface cleaninghead may be supported by any suitable support members, such as, forexample wheels and/or rollers, to allow the surface cleaning head to bemoved across a floor or other surface being cleaned. In alternativeembodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus may be another suitable typeof surface cleaning apparatus, such as a canister type vacuum cleaner, ahand vacuum cleaner, a stick vac, a wet-dry type vacuum cleaner, acarpet extractor, and the like.

General Description of an Upstream Air Treatment Member

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of an upstream air treatmentmember, referred to generally as 100. In the illustrated example, theair treatment member 100 comprises a first cyclonic cleaning stagelocated upstream of the cyclonic cleaning stage 200. Alternatively, oradditionally, the upstream air treatment member may comprise a filterbag or any other suitable air treatment apparatus. Alternatively, oradditionally, in some embodiments, an upstream air treatment member maynot be provided.

In the illustrated example, the first cyclonic cleaning stage includes afirst stage cyclone chamber 110 that has a first end 102, a second end104, and extends along a cyclone axis 115 and includes a generallycylindrical sidewall 111 extending between a first or front end wall 103and second or rear end wall 105. In the illustrated embodiment, a plate(which may be referred to as an arrestor plate) 106 is provided at thefirst end 102. Alternatively, or in addition, the first cycloniccleaning stage may comprise a plurality of cyclone chambers.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first stage cyclone chamber 110includes a first stage cyclone air inlet 112 and a first stage cycloneair outlet 114. Optionally, an external dirt chamber 119 may beprovided. Accordingly, as exemplified, first stage cyclone chamber 110also includes at least one dirt outlet 118, through which dirt anddebris that is separated from the air flow can exit the cyclone chamber110. While it is preferred that most or all of the dirt exit the firststage cyclone chamber via the dirt outlet 118, some dirt may beentrained in the air exiting the first stage cyclone chamber via the airoutlet 114, and/or may settle on the arrestor plate 106 (e.g. if thesurface cleaning apparatus is oriented such that the cyclone axis 115 isgenerally vertical).

In the illustrated example, the first stage cyclone dirt outlet 118 isin the form of a gap between the cyclone side wall 111 and the arrestorplate 106, and is located toward the first end 102 of the cyclonechamber 110. Alternatively, the dirt outlet may be of any other suitableconfiguration, and may be provided at another location in the cyclonechamber, including, for example as a hole in the sidewall 111, or as ahole or gap between the sidewall and an end wall of the cyclone chamber.

Preferably, the first stage cyclone air inlet 112 is located toward oneend of the cyclone chamber 110 (the second end in the illustratedexample) and may be positioned adjacent the corresponding cyclonechamber end wall 105. Alternatively, the cyclone air inlet 112 may beprovided at another location within the first stage cyclone chamber 110.Preferably, the air inlet 112 is positioned so that air flowing throughthe inlet and into the first stage cyclone chamber is travellinggenerally tangentially relative to, and preferably adjacent, thesidewall 111 of the cyclone chamber 110.

Air can exit the first stage cyclone chamber 110 via the first stage airoutlet 114. Preferably, the cyclone air outlet is positioned in one ofthe cyclone chamber end walls and, in the example illustrated, ispositioned in the same end as the air inlet 112. Accordingly, asexemplified, air inlet 112 and air outlet 114 may be positioned adjacentor at the second end wall 105. In the illustrated embodiment the airoutlet 114 is generally circular in cross-sectional shape. Preferably,the cross-sectional area in a direction transverse to a direction offlow of air through the outlet 114 or flow area of the first stagecyclone air outlet 114 is generally equal to the cross-sectional area ina direction transverse to a direction of flow of air through the airinlet 112 or flow area of the first stage cyclone air inlet 112. In theillustrated example, the cyclone air outlet 114 comprises a vortexfinder 116.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, first stage dirt collection chamber 119 isin communication with dirt outlet 118 to collect the dirt and debris asit exits first stage cyclone chamber 110. Dirt collection chamber 119may be of any suitable configuration. In the illustrated example, thedirt collection chamber 119 is bounded by the first stage cyclone sidewall 111, end wall 103, and arrestor plate 106.

In use, air enters the first stage cyclone chamber 110 via air inlet 112and exits the chamber 110 via air outlet 114, while separated dirt anddebris exits the cyclone chamber 110 via dirt outlet 118, where itcollects in the first stage dirt collection chamber 119.

To help facilitate emptying the dirt collection chamber 119, the endwalls 103, which may be the front wall of a hand vacuum cleaner, may beopenable. Preferably, end wall 103 is moveable between a closed position(FIGS. 1 and 2) and an open position (not shown). When the end wall 103is in the open position, the first stage dirt collection chamber 119 andthe first stage cyclone chamber 110 may be emptied.

End wall 103 is preferably configured so that when it is in the closedposition, the surface facing the cyclone chamber 110 cooperativelyengages an end surface of the sidewall 111. For example, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the end wall surface may have one or more channels orgrooves 138 configured to receive the ends of sidewall 111 when the endwall 103 is in the closed position. Optionally, one or more sealing orgasketing elements may be provided between groove(s) 138 and thesidewall ends.

In the illustrated embodiment, air exiting the first stage air outlet114 is directed along a conduit 30 to a second stage air inlet 212. Fromthere, the air is directed into a chamber or manifold 217 of thedownstream cyclonic cleaning stage 200. Alternatively, conduit 30 maynot be provided (or may have a de minimus length) such that air exitingthe first stage air outlet 114 passes directly through second stage airinlet 212 and into manifold 217. Optionally, a manifold may not beprovided and outlet 114 may be directly connected to the inlets of theinlets of the cyclones second cyclonic stage.

General Description of a Downstream Cyclonic Cleaning Stage

FIGS. 1 to 11 illustrate an embodiment of a downstream cyclonic cleaningstage, referred to generally as 200. The cyclonic cleaning stageincludes a plurality of second stage cyclone chambers 220 arranged inparallel. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11, four cyclonechambers 220 are shown, referred to as 220 a, 220 b, 220 c, and 220 d,respectively. It will be appreciated that an upstream air treatmentmember need not be provided. Also, it will be appreciated that theplurality of second stage cyclones may comprise any number of cyclones.

In the illustrated embodiment, each cyclone chamber 220 extends along arespective cyclone axis 215 (see e.g. FIG. 8) and includes a sidewall221 that extends between a first end wall 203 and a second end wall 205.

In the illustrated embodiment, each cyclone chamber 220 includes one ormore cyclone air inlets 222 and a cyclone air outlet 224. Each cyclonechamber 220 also includes at least one dirt outlet 228, through whichdirt and debris that is separated from the air flow can exit the cyclonechamber 220. While it is preferred that most or all of the dirtentrained in the air exiting the first air treatment member (e.g.cyclone 100) exits the cyclone chambers 200 via the dirt outlets 228,some dirt may be entrained in the air exiting the second stage cyclonechambers via the air outlets 224, and/or may settle on the end wall 203of the cyclone chambers 220 (e.g. if the surface cleaning apparatus isoriented such that the cyclone axes 215 are generally vertical).

In some embodiments, all or substantially all of the dirt entrained inthe air exiting the first cyclonic cleaning stage may be removed fromthe airflow by the second cyclonic cleaning stage. This may, forexample, obviate the need to provide a pre-motor filter in the surfacecleaning apparatus 10.

In the illustrated example, each cyclone dirt outlet 228 is in the formof a slot bounded by the cyclone side wall 221 and the first or frontend wall member 203 (and/or an optional inlet sealing member 263,discussed further below), and is located toward the first or front end202 of the cyclone chamber 220. An advantage of this design is that atleast a portion of, and preferably most or substantially all of the dirtexiting a second stage cyclone travels in a radial direction (e.g.,approximately perpendicular to the cyclone axis of the second stagecyclone chamber). Such a dirt outlet may be characterized as a‘sideways’ dirt outlet. This preferred orientation for the dirtcollection outlets may facilitate a more compact design of the cycloniccleaning stage 200. It will be appreciated that the dirt outlet may beof any configuration that permits dirt to exit sideways into dirt plenumfor two or more of the cyclone of the second cyclonic cleaning stage ifa common dirt plenum is provided.

Preferably, each second stage cyclone has one or more air inlets 222located toward one end of the cyclone chamber 220 (the second end 204 inthe illustrated example). For example, in the illustrated embodimentsthe inlets 222 are positioned adjacent the corresponding first end wallmember 205. Alternatively, the cyclone air inlets 222 may be provided atanother location within the cyclone chamber 220. Preferably, each airinlet 222 is positioned so that air flowing through the inlet and into acyclone chamber 220 is travelling generally tangentially relative to,and preferably adjacent, the sidewall 221 of the cyclone chamber 220.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, each second stage cyclonechamber 220 a-d includes six airflow inlets (i.e. air inlets 222 a,a-f,222 b,a-f, 222 c,a-f, and 222 d,a-f), and one cyclone air outlet 224a-d. In the illustrated embodiment, the air inlets of each cyclonechamber 220 are positioned radially equidistantly at the second end ofeach second cyclonic cleaning stage (see e.g. FIGS. 7-10).Alternatively, the air inlets of the second cyclonic stage may bearranged in any suitable manner. Also, while six air inlets areillustrated for each second stage cyclone chamber, it will beappreciated that, alternatively, two or three or four or five or sevenor more air inlets may be provided per cyclone chamber.

Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the air inlets 222 of the cyclonechambers 220 are in communication with a common manifold or header 217.Having the second stage cyclone air inlets in communication with the airoutlet 114 of the first air treatment stage via manifold 217 may haveone or more advantages. For example, it may facilitate airflow to thesecond cyclonic cleaning stages with reduced bends in an air flowconduit thereby reducing the back pressure through the cyclone assembly.In addition, the use of a common manifold may enable the air to bedistributed to the inlets of a plurality of cyclones with reduced backpressure.

The cross-sectional shape of each air inlet 222 can be any suitableshape. In the illustrated example each air inlet has a cross-sectionalshape that is generally rectangular. The total cross-sectional area ofthe second stage air inlets (i.e. the sum of the cross-sectional areasof each inlet 222) can be referred to as the total cross-sectional areaor total flow area of the second cyclonic cleaning stage.

Air can exit each cyclone chamber 220 via an air outlet 224 provided foreach cyclone chamber 220. Preferably, the cyclone air outlets 224 a-dare positioned in one of the end walls of each cyclone chamber 220 and,in the example illustrated, are positioned in the same ends as the airinlets 222 a-f. As exemplified, the air inlets and air outlets may be atthe rear end of the second cyclonic cleaning stage.

In the illustrated embodiment the air outlets 224 a-d are generallycircular in cross-sectional shape. Preferably, the cross-sectional areain a direction transverse to a direction of flow of air through the airoutlets 224 a-d or flow area of each second stage cyclone air outlet 224is generally equal to the flow area of the air inlets 222 in a directiontransverse to a direction of flow of air through the air inlets 224 forthat cyclone chamber. As exemplified, each cyclone air outlet 224 maycomprise a vortex finder 226.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6, the cyclonic cleaning stage 200 mayinclude a central body member 201, a first or front end wall member 203,and a second or rear end wall member 205. As in the illustrated example,an inlet sealing member 263 may be provided between the first end wallmember 203 and the central body member 201, and an outlet sealing member265 may be provided between the second end wall member 205 and thecentral body member 201. The sealing members 263, 265 may reduce orinhibit air leakage between the central body member 201 and the end wallmembers 203, 205 when the cyclonic cleaning stage 200 is assembled.Alternatively, the central body member 201 may be joined to one or bothend wall members 203, 205 using a process that results in a relativelyair-impermeable seal (e.g. sonic welding, adhesive, or the like), inwhich case one or both sealing members 263, 265 may not be provided.

Dirt Collection Plenum for Second Stage Cyclones Positioned RadiallyOutward of the Second Stage Cyclones

The following is a description of the positioning of a dirt collectionplenum for second stage cyclones that may be used by itself in anysurface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination withany other feature or features disclosed herein.

In accordance with one feature, a second stage dirt collection plenummay be provided between the dirt outlets of two or more second stagecyclone chambers and a second stage dirt collection region (or the dirtplenum may be the second stage dirt collection region). In one or morepreferred embodiments, at least a portion of, and preferably most orsubstantially all of the second stage dirt collection plenum may bepositioned radially outwardly of the second stage cyclone chambers. Insuch an embodiment, this preferred location for the second stage dirtcollection plenum may facilitate a more compact design of the cycloniccleaning stage 200.

As exemplified in FIGS. 1, 2, and 7-9, two or more second stage cyclonechambers 220 may be associated with a single second stage dirtcollection chamber 229. Accordingly, for example, a single second stagedirt collection chamber 229 may be provided. Collectively, the secondstage dirt collection chamber(s) 229 may be referred to generally as asecond stage dirt collection region.

As exemplified in FIG. 8, in use air enters each second stage cyclonechamber 220 (e.g. chamber 220 a) via one or more air inlets 222 (e.g.inlets 222 a,a, 222 a,b, 222 a,c, 222 a,d, 222 a,e, and 222 a,f) andexits each chamber 220 (e.g. chamber 220 a) via an air outlet 224 (e.g.outlet 224 a), while separated dirt and debris exits each cyclonechamber 220 (e.g. chamber 220 a) via a dirt outlet 228 (e.g. outlet 228a), where it enters a dirt collection plenum 227. Dirt collection plenum227 is also in communication with the second stage dirt collectionregion 229.

In the illustrated example, dirt collection plenum 227 is defined, inthe radial direction, between an outer wall 211 of the central bodymember 201 and second stage cyclone chamber sidewalls 221, and aplurality of inner walls 231 extending between the second stage cyclonechamber sidewalls 221. Dirt collection plenum 227 is also defined, inthe longitudinal direction, between an intermediate wall 240 of thecentral body member 201 and an inner surface of the first end wallmember 203. The second stage cyclone chamber sidewalls 221 and theplurality of inner walls 231 extend between the intermediate wall 240and first end wall member 203.

Notably at least part, and optionally all, of dirt collection plenum 227is positioned radially outwardly from the second stage cyclone chambers220 a-d, and also radially outwardly from the second stage air inlet 212of the second cyclonic cleaning stage 200 (see e.g. FIG. 11).Accordingly, as exemplified, a plane perpendicular to a cyclone axis 215of a second stage cyclone chamber 220 that extends through a dirt outlet228 of that cyclone chamber 220 may therefore extend through the dirtcollection plenum 227. Such a design may have one or more advantages.For example, providing the plenum 227 radially outwardly from the secondstage cyclone chambers 220 a-d may result in a more compact design of asecond cyclonic cleaning stage. In addition, less dirt may bere-entrained back into the cyclone chamber since the dirt may becollected distal to the dirt outlet. Alternatively, or in addition, thedirt may exit the dirt outlet and be directed into a void region whichdoes not have a wall that may reflect the dirt back towards the dirtoutlet, from where it could be re-entrained.

Preferably, the dirt outlets 228 a-d of the second stage cyclonechambers 220 a-d are oriented such that dirt is ejected outwardly intothe dirt collection plenum 227 in a plane generally transverse to thecyclone axis of rotation 215 and preferably in a direction towards thesecond stage dirt collection region 229. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 11, in operation air within the second stage cyclone chambers 220 aand 220 d may rotate in a counter-clockwise direction, when viewed fromthe dirt outlet end. Accordingly, most if not all of the dirt ejectedfrom the second stage cyclone chamber dirt outlets 228 a and 228 d maytravel towards the dirt collection region 229, e.g. in directions 225 aand 225 b, respectively. Air may be induced to flow counter clockwise insecond stage cyclone chambers 220 a and 220 d by using air inlets thatwill create a counter clockwise flow. As exemplified, air inlets 222 aand 222 d define a passage that will introduce air flowing in a counterclockwise direction into second stage cyclone chambers 220 a and 220 d.

Similarly, in operation air within the second stage cyclone chambers 220b and 220 c may rotate in a clockwise direction, when viewed from theoutlet end. Accordingly, most if not all of the dirt ejected from thesecond stage cyclone chamber dirt outlets 228 b and 228 c may traveltowards the dirt collection region 229, e.g. in directions 225 b and 225c, respectively. In the illustrated embodiments, a single dirtcollection region 229 is provided. Air may be induced to flow clockwisein second stage cyclone chambers 220 b and 220 c by using air inletsthat will create a clockwise flow. As exemplified, air inlets 222 b and222 c define a passage that will introduce air flowing in a clockwisedirection into second stage cyclone chambers 220 b and 220 c.

Alternatively, as exemplified in FIGS. 25 and 26, two or more dirtcollection regions may be provided. For example, a dirt collectionregion in communication with cyclone chamber dirt outlets 228 a and 228d (the dirt outlets on the left side of the second cyclonic cleaningstage 200 when viewed from the front of the hand vacuum cleaner), andanother dirt collection region in communication with cyclone chamberdirt outlets 228 b and 228 c (the dirt outlets on the right side of thesecond cyclonic cleaning stage 200 when viewed from the front of thehand vacuum cleaner).

Orienting the cyclone chamber dirt outlets such that dirt is ejectedoutwardly into the dirt collection plenum and in a direction towards asecond stage dirt collection region may have one or more advantages. Forexample, by orienting the direction of the ejected dirt a relativelysmall gap 235 (e.g. less than 10 mm, less than 5 mm, or about 3 mm) maybe provided between the second stage cyclone chamber sidewalls 221 andthe outer wall 211 of the central body member 201, which may result in amore compact design of a second cyclonic cleaning stage.

As discussed previously, in the illustrated embodiment, air exiting thefirst stage air outlet 114 is directed along a conduit 30 to a secondstage air inlet 212 and into manifold 217 of the downstream cycloniccleaning stage 200. Alternatively, conduit 30 may not be provided (ormay have a de minimus length) such that air exiting the first stage airoutlet 114 passes directly through second stage air inlet 212 and intomanifold 217. In such embodiments, the second stage dirt collectionchamber 229 may be provided alongside of the first stage air treatmentmember (e.g. radially outward of cyclone chamber 110). In such aconfiguration, the dirt collection chamber 119 and the second stage dirtcollection region 229 may be configured to be concurrently openable. Forexample, end wall 103 may be configured so that when it is in the closedposition, the surface facing the cyclone chamber 110 cooperativelyengages an end surface of the sidewall 111 and also cooperativelyengages an end surface of the second stage dirt collection region 229.

FIGS. 12 to 21 illustrate an embodiment of a cyclonic cleaning stage,referred to generally as 200. In this example embodiment, eight secondstage cyclone chambers 220 are shown, referred to as 220 a, 220 b, 220c, 220 d, 220 e, 220 f, 220 g, and 220 h, respectively. Elements havingsimilar structure and/or performing similar function as those in theexample cyclonic cleaning stage illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11 arenumbered similarly, and will not be discussed further.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 21 is generally similar to theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11, with the exception of thenumber of second stage cyclone chambers. Notably, in the eight-cylinderembodiment of FIGS. 12 to 21, the second stage air inlet 212 has acircular cross-section, which is possible due to the space resultingfrom the generally circular arrangement of the eight second stagecyclone chambers 220 a-h. This is in contrast to the generallycross-shaped air inlet 212 of the four-cylinder embodiment of FIGS. 1 to11, which results from the reduced spacing of the four second stagecyclone chambers 220 a-d.

In this example embodiment, the location and/or angle of the inner walls231 that extend between adjacent second stage cyclone chamber sidewalls221 is different than in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11. In theembodiment of FIG. 21, some of the walls 231 extend from a positionadjacent the downstream end of a dirt outlet of one cyclone to thesidewall 221 of an adjacent cyclone chamber. In contrast, in theembodiment of FIG. 11, walls 231 extend from a position spaced from thedirt outlet of one cyclone chamber to a portion of the sidewall 221 ofan adjacent cyclone chamber that is also spaced from the dirt outlet ofthat cyclone chamber.

FIG. 22 illustrates another eight cyclone embodiment of a cycloniccleaning stage. In this example embodiment, the location and/or angle ofthe inner walls 231 that extend between the adjacent second stagecyclone chamber sidewalls 221 located at the portion of the dirt plenumfacing the dirt chamber 229 is different than in the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 21. As exemplified in FIG. 22, walls 231 that extendbetween cyclone chambers 228 f and 228 g, and between 228 c and 228 dalso extend from a position adjacent the downstream end of a dirt outletof one of the cyclone chambers. In addition, a wall 231 extends from aposition adjacent the downstream end of the dirt outlet of cyclonechamber 228 f to a position adjacent the downstream end of the dirtoutlet of cyclone chamber 228 c. Altering the position and/or angle ofthe inner walls 231 may inhibit or prevent debris from accumulating inthe areas of the plenum 227 between the cyclone chamber sidewalls (e.g.the area adjacent wall 231 between sidewalls 221 b and 221 c).

FIG. 23 illustrates an embodiment of a cyclonic cleaning stage havingsix second stage cyclone chambers 220 a-f. Elements having similarstructure and/or performing similar function as those in the examplecyclonic cleaning stage illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11 are numberedsimilarly. This embodiment is generally similar to the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 12 to 22, with the exception of the number ofsecond stage cyclone chambers.

FIGS. 24 to 26 illustrate a surface cleaning apparatus 100, in this casea hand vacuum, having an embodiment of a cyclonic cleaning stage,referred to generally as 200. Elements having similar structure and/orperforming similar function as those in the example cyclonic cleaningstage illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11 are numbered similarly, and will notbe discussed further.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 24 to 26 is generally similar to theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 21, with the exception of thenumber of dirt collection regions and the configuration of the dirtcollection plenum. Notably, in the embodiment of FIGS. 24 to 26, twosecond stage dirt collection regions 229 are provided.

As illustrated in FIG. 26, a first second stage dirt collection region229 a is provided on one side of cyclone chamber 110, and another (orsecond) second stage dirt collection region 229 b is provided on anotherside of cyclone chamber 110. The illustrated locations of the dirtcollection regions may facilitate a more compact design of the surfacecleaning apparatus. It will be appreciated that the dirt collectionregions may be positioned elsewhere in alternative embodiments.

As illustrated in FIG. 25, the dirt outlets 228 a, 228 f, 228 g, and 228h of the second stage cyclone chambers 220 a, 220 f, 220 g, and 220 hare oriented such that dirt is ejected outwardly into the dirtcollection plenum 227 in a direction towards the dirt collection region229 a. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the air inlets 222 a,a-f,222 f,a-f, 222 g,a-f, and 222 h,a-f may be oriented such that, inoperation, air is directed into the second stage cyclone chambers 220 a,220 f, 220 g, and 220 h such that air within the cyclone chamber mayrotate in a counter-clockwise direction, when viewed from the outletend. Accordingly, most if not all of the dirt ejected from the secondstage cyclone chamber dirt outlets 228 a, 228 f, 228 g, and 228 h may bedirected towards the dirt collection region 229 a, e.g. in directions225 a, 225 f, 225 g, and 225 h, respectively.

The dirt outlets 228 b, 228 c, 228 d, and 228 e of the second stagecyclone chambers 220 b, 220 c, 220 d, and 220 e are oriented such thatdirt is ejected outwardly into the dirt collection plenum 227 in adirection towards the dirt collection region 229 b. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 25, the air inlets 222 b,a-f, 222 c,a-f, 222 d,a-f,and 222 e,a-f may be oriented such that, in operation, air is directedinto the second stage cyclone chambers 220 b, 220 c, 220 d, and 220 esuch that air within the cyclone chamber may rotate in a clockwisedirection, when viewed from the outlet end. Accordingly, most if not allof the dirt ejected from the second stage cyclone chamber dirt outlets228 b, 228 c, 228 d, and 228 e may be directed towards the dirtcollection region 229 b, e.g. in directions 225 b, 225 c, 225 d, and 225e, respectively.

Dirt Collection Plenum for Second Stage Cyclones Positioned RadiallyInward of the Second Stage Cyclones

The following is a description of the positioning of a dirt collectionplenum for second stage cyclones that may be used by itself in anysurface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination withany other feature or features disclosed herein.

In accordance with one feature, a second stage dirt collection plenum isprovided between the dirt outlets of two or more second stage cyclonechambers and a second stage dirt collection region. In accordance withthis feature, the air flow path to the air inlets 222 of the cyclonechambers is provided radially outwardly from the dirt collection plenum.Accordingly, at least a portion of, and preferably all or substantiallyall of the second stage dirt collection plenum may be positionedradially inwardly of the second stage cyclone chambers. In such anembodiment, this preferred location for the second stage dirt collectionplenum may facilitate a more compact design of the cyclonic cleaningstage 200.

FIGS. 27 to 32 illustrate an embodiment of a cyclonic cleaning stage,referred to generally as 200. In this example embodiment, six secondstage cyclone chambers 220 are shown, referred to as 220 a, 220 b, 220c, 220 d, 220 e, and 220 f, respectively. Elements having similarstructure and/or performing similar function as those in the examplecyclonic cleaning stage illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11 are numberedsimilarly, and will not be discussed further.

In the illustrated embodiments, air entering the downstream cycloniccleaning stage 200 via second stage air inlet 212 is directed into achamber or manifold 217, which is in communication with the air inlets222 of the cyclone chambers 220.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 26, air directed throughsecond stage air inlet 212 enters a central portion of the manifold 217(e.g., a portion axially aligned with conduit 30), and a portion of theair flow may diffuse radially outwardly towards the outer wall 211 ofthe central body member 201 to surround the air inlets 222 of thecyclone chambers 220.

In contrast, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 27 to 32, airpassing through second stage air inlet 212 is directed radiallyoutwardly towards the outer wall 211 of the central body member 201(i.e. a radially outward portion of the manifold 217), and a portion ofthe air flow may diffuse radially inwardly towards a central portion ofthe manifold 217 to surround the air inlets 222 of the cyclone chambers220.

Since the air flow path to the manifold 217 is centrally located in theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 26, each cyclone chamber 220 mayextend along a respective cyclone axis 215 and includes a sidewall 221that extends between a first end wall 203 and a second end wall 205 ofthe second cyclonic stage. In contrast, in the embodiments illustratedin FIGS. 27 to 32, a plenum may be provided at the front end of thesecond cyclonic stage to distribute the air towards the outer wall 221.Therefore, instead of the second stage cyclones extending from the frontend wall 203 of the second cyclonic stage, the forwardly positioned wallof the second stage cyclones (which is designated as first end wall 213)is spaced from front end wall 203 of the second cyclonic stage toaccommodate an air flow plenum at the front end of the second cycloniccleaning stage. Accordingly, each cyclone chamber 220 extends along arespective cyclone axis 215 and includes a sidewall 221 that extendsbetween the first end wall 213 and a second end wall 205.

As illustrated in FIG. 31, dirt collection plenum 227 is defined by anintermediate wall 240 of the central body member 201, an inner surfaceof an intermediate plate 233, and an inner wall 231 (which may becharacterized as a dirt plenum side wall 231) extending between theintermediate wall 240 and the intermediate plate 233.

Accordingly, as exemplified, a majority of dirt collection plenum 227may be positioned radially inwardly from the second stage cyclonechambers 220 a-f. As shown in the illustrated example, dirt outlets 228a-f are oriented such that dirt is ejected inwardly into the dirtcollection plenum 227 in a plane generally transverse to the cycloneaxis of rotation 215. Put another way, substantially all of the portionof dirt collection plenum 227 in direct communication with dirt outlets228 a-f of the second stage cyclone chambers 220 a-f is positionedradially inwardly from the second stage cyclone chambers 220 a-f.

As exemplified, the air inlets 222 a,a-f, 222 b,a f, 222 c,a-f, 222 d,af, 222 e,a-f, and 222 f,a-f may be oriented such that, in operation, airis directed into the second stage cyclone chambers 220 a-f such that airwithin the cyclone chambers may rotate in a counter-clockwise direction,when viewed from the outlet end. Accordingly, most if not all of thedirt ejected from the second stage cyclone chamber dirt outlets 228 a,228 b, 228 c, 228 d, 228 e, and 228 f may travel in generally the samedirection towards the dirt collection region 229, e.g. in directions 225a, 225 b, 225 c, 225 d, 225 e, and 225 f, respectively. An advantage ofthis design is that it may promote a cyclonic air flow within the dirtcollection plenum 227.

Alternatively, some or all of the air inlets 222 for a cyclone chamber220 may be oriented such that, in operation, air within some cyclonechambers may rotate in a clockwise direction. For example, cyclonechambers 220 a, 220 b, and 220 c may be configured to promote airrotation in a counter-clockwise direction, and cyclone chambers 220 d,220 e, and 220 f may be configured to promote air rotation in acounter-clockwise direction. An advantage of this design is that dirtmay be ejected from the cyclone chamber dirt outlets 228 into the dirtcollection plenum in a direction towards the second stage dirtcollection region 229.

In the illustrated embodiments, a single dirt collection region 229 isprovided. Alternatively, two or more dirt collection regions may beprovided (e.g. a dirt collection region in communication with cyclonechamber dirt outlets 228 a, 228 b, and 228 c, and another dirtcollection region in communication with cyclone chamber dirt outlets 228d, 228 e, and 228 f.)

FIGS. 33 to 42 illustrate an embodiment of a cyclonic cleaning stage,referred to generally as 200. In this example embodiment, the secondstage dirt collection region 229 is located within the first stagecyclone and a conduit 238 connecting the second stage dirt collectionplenum and the second sage dirt collection region 229 extends within theair flow passage from the first cyclonic stage to the second cyclonicstage. As exemplified, eight second stage cyclone chambers 220 areshown, referred to as 220 a, 220 b, 220 c, 220 d, 220 e, 220 f, 220 g,and 220 h, respectively. Elements having similar structure and/orperforming similar function as those in the example cyclonic cleaningstage illustrated in FIGS. 27 to 32 are numbered similarly, and will notbe discussed further.

Similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 27 to 32, in theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 33 to 42, air passing through secondstage air inlet 212 is directed radially outwardly towards the outerwall 211 of the central body member 201 (i.e. a radially outward portionof the manifold 217), and a portion of the air flow diffuses radiallyinwardly towards a central portion of the manifold 217 to surround theair inlets 222 of the cyclone chambers 220.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 33 to 42, dirt collection plenum227 is defined by an intermediate wall 240 of the central body member201, an inner surface of an intermediate plate 233, and an inner wall231 (which may be characterized as a dirt plenum side wall 231)extending between the intermediate wall 240 and the intermediate plate233.

As illustrated in FIG. 39, the intermediate plate 233 has a centralrecessed portion 236, with an aperture 234 located at a lower end of therecessed portion. As illustrated in FIG. 34, a conduit 238 extends fromaperture 234 through the cyclone air outlet 114 of the first stagecyclone chamber 110, and to the second stage dirt collection region 229,which in this example is located below an arrestor plate 106 and at thefirst end 102 of the cyclone chamber 110.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 33 to 42, substantially all ofdirt collection plenum 227 is positioned radially inwardly from thesecond stage cyclone chambers 220 a-h. Such a design may have one ormore advantages. For example, providing substantially all of the plenum227 radially inwardly of the second stage cyclone chambers may result ina more compact design of a second cyclonic cleaning stage.

In the illustrated example, the intermediate wall 240 has a projection246 that overlies the central recessed portion 236 of the intermediateplate 233. As a result, the distance between the intermediate wall 240and the intermediate plate 233 (which may be characterized as the heightof the dirt collection plenum 227 is substantially constant. Also, sincethe second stage cyclone chambers are provided with ‘sideways’ dirtoutlets (i.e. at least a portion of, and preferably most orsubstantially all of the dirt exiting a second stage cyclone travels ina radial direction), the projection 246 may deflect dirt ejected fromthe second stage cyclone chambers towards the conduit 238 (e.g. towardsthe second stage dirt collection region 229).

As used herein, the wording “and/or” is intended to represent aninclusive—or. That is, “X and/or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both,for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and/or Z” is intended to meanX or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

While the above description describes features of example embodiments,it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of thedescribed embodiments are susceptible to modification without departingfrom the spirit and principles of operation of the describedembodiments. For example, the various characteristics which aredescribed by means of the represented embodiments or examples may beselectively combined with each other. Accordingly, what has beendescribed above is intended to be illustrative of the claimed conceptand non-limiting. It will be understood by persons skilled in the artthat other variants and modifications may be made without departing fromthe scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. Thescope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodimentsand examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistentwith the description as a whole.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: (a) anupstream air treatment member; (b) a downstream cyclonic cleaning stagecomprising a plurality of cyclones in parallel, each cyclone having acyclone axis of rotation, a first end, an axially spaced apart secondend, a sidewall extending between the first and second ends, an airinlet, an air outlet and a sideways dirt outlet; (c) a dirt collectionchamber; and (d) a dirt collection plenum comprising a volume that is incommunication with at least some of the dirt outlets and the dirtcollection chamber whereby the dirt collection plenum receives dirt fromat least some of the cyclones and at least some of the dirt is receivedby the dirt collection chamber, the dirt collection plenum comprising afirst wall and an axially opposed second wall, an outer wall and atleast some of the sidewalls of the plurality of cyclones, wherein afirst plane that is transverse to one of the cyclone axis of rotationextends through at least some of the dirt outlets of the plurality ofcyclones and the dirt collection plenum, and wherein at least a portionof the dirt collection plenum is positioned radially inwardly of atleast some of the dirt outlets of the plurality of cyclones.
 2. Thevacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein a passage having an inlet end and anoutlet end extends from the upstream air treatment member to at leastsome of the cyclone air inlets, and the dirt collection plenum has aradial outer extent that is spaced radially inwardly outwardly of theinlet end of the passage.
 3. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein apassage having an inlet end and an outlet end extends from the upstreamair treatment member to at least some of the cyclone air inlets, and asecond plane that is transverse to the one of the cyclone axis ofrotation extends through the inlet end of the passage and the dirtcollection plenum.
 4. The vacuum cleaner of claim 3 wherein the secondplane extends through the sideways dirt outlets.
 5. The vacuum cleanerof claim 1 wherein the sideways dirt outlet comprises an opening in thesidewall.
 6. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein at least a portion ofthe sidewall is spaced from the second end, whereby the sideways dirtoutlet comprises a space between the sidewall and the second end.
 7. Thevacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the sideways dirt outlet directs dirtoutwardly in the first plane.
 8. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 whereinthe plurality of cyclones comprises a first cyclone and a second cycloneand a portion of the dirt collection plenum is radially positionedbetween the first and second cyclones and the sideways dirt outlet ofthe first cyclone directs dirt towards the portion.
 9. The vacuumcleaner of claim 1 wherein each cyclone has a radially inner side, aradially outer side and lateral sides provided between the radiallyinner and radially outer sides and the sideways dirt outlet is providedin one of the lateral sides.
 10. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein aportion of the air flow path extends along an axially extending passagesurrounding at least a portion of the plurality of cyclones.
 11. Thevacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein a portion of the air flow path extendsalong an axially extending passage surrounding the plurality ofcyclones.